Minimising worker exposures and improving nanoparticle production by improved mixer design: from a paper at International Conference on Nanotechnology Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety
The manufacture of nano-scale materials presents unique challenges for researchers, managers and safety professionals.
Though many manufacturing processes and procedures may remain the same the hazards encountered are increased with the introduction of nano-particles whose dangers are not fully understood.
Development of nano-materials requires a higher level of user and environmental protection, but it is widely believed that the risk from these unknown hazards can be reduced through the use of good laboratory practices and engineering controls designed to minimize worker and environmental exposure.
Improved safety through containment.
Material containment is a key factor in protecting users and the environment from accidental exposures.
When mounted to standard laboratory vessels the Delp Mixer efficiently seals for varying conditions such as moderate pressure or deep vacuum; allowing the fully contained mixing of nano-particles and blended materials.
The mixer is designed to integrate with established products such as explosion-proof motors and clean room equipment, thus maximising the Health, Safety and Environmental advantages of established controls and increasing the benefits to the user and the surrounding environment.
Safer equipment.
When working with nano-materials safety is increased when separation between the user and the materials can be maximised.
Barriers such as gloves, protective clothing and standard PPE for hazardous materials are believed to be effective first steps in user protection.
However these can be compromised when handing laboratory equipment such as vessels, mixers, or system mounting structures that might damage gloves or other protective clothing.
Delp Mixers are designed to be easy to use, assemble and maintain, can be handled safely even in clean-room garments, and require no assembly tools which might perforate gloves and allow user contact with nano-particles.
Case study - Columbus NanoWorks.
The molecular analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein derived from diagnostic tissue specimens and/or blood samples has revolutionized pathology.
Techniques such as immunocytochemistry, Southern blot analysis, and especially the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are an integral part of the diagnostic repertoire in pathology.
However, the reliability of tests based on tissue or cell extracts often depends crucially on the relative abundance of the cell population in question, and sampling errors or a large number of 'contaminating' cells as a result of the inherent complexity of primary tissues which can lead to false negative results.
Therefore, cell separation has become increasingly commonplace for researchers and clinicians who study single cells or homogeneous cells populations to understand how cells function in different environments or to diagnose disease occurrence, recurrence, or progression.
Columbus NanoWorks (CNW) has created magnetic nanoparticles through use of Delp Mixers.
CNW colloidal particles needed to be highly specific as defined by a tight standard deviation in hydrodynamic diameter, as well as having an efficient coupling process of antibodies to the surface of the particles to target cancer cells, stem cells, and other cell types.
Tight control of reaction parameters within the Delp mixer allowed CNW to produce particles with a very tight size distribution, as well as coat the particles so that they retained their magnetic properties even when exposed to air.
This allowed for the enrichment of one ovarian tumour cell in 107 total nucleated blood cells with an average recovery of 74.1% of spiked tumour samples, as well as an average 3.21log10 depletion of contaminating cells in a flow through magnetic cell separation device.
Reagents of this nature could have significant clinical impact in the early stage detection of cancers, as well as therapeutic applications in the selection of stem cells and islet cells for transplantation.
Delp Mixers have also allowed CNW to scale up their manufacturing efforts in the production of their silica particles, dextran particles, as well as ferric oxides.
In addition, Delp Mixers provide an environment which contains potential chemical hazards, and allows operation in a clean room facility.
These options help CNW to meet their customers needs.
The gold standard for manufacturing.
The Delp Mixers are ideal for nano-materials manufacturing and material research.
Highly versatile, Delp Mixers will grow with the needs of the laboratory or manufacturing process and assist organizations in bringing their product to market faster and at a lower cost.
Delp Mixer - quick facts.
Clean mixing technology that does not rely on double-mechanical seals, packing glands or stuffing boxes to achieve a complete seal.
Vacuum capable - will reliably hold 30inches Hg without the use of PTFE seals that may spall or flake.
Pressure capable - will withstand up to 200psi without the risk of barrier fluid contamination.
Suitable for clean room applications and can be autoclaved for complete sterilization.
Easy to assemble, operate and service while wearing PPE.
Mount to standard glass or metal vessels.
Delp Mixer customers:.
Amgen - human therapeutics and biotechnology.
Columbus NanoWorks - nano-particles for medical use.
Givaudan Flavors - perfumes, flavours and aroma chemicals.
Firmenich - perfumes, flavours and aroma chemicals.
Integra Life Sciences - medical devices and bio products.
Kion - polymer development and manufacture.
Oakwood Laboratories - drug delivery technology.
Rohm and Haas - specialty chemicals.
Urbana University, Ohio - academic institution.
Department of Energy - Argonne National Labs and Westinghouse SRS.
